Steelers broadcaster Myron Cope dies at 79

[Penndems]

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Myron Cope, the screechy-voiced announcer whose colorful catch phrases and twirling Terrible Towel became symbols of the Pittsburgh Steelers during an unrivaled 35 seasons in the broadcast booth, has died. He was 79.

Cope died Wednesday morning at a nursing home in Mount Lebanon, a Pittsburgh suburb, Joe Gordon, a former Steelers executive and a longtime friend of Cope's, told The Associated Press. Cope had been treated for respiratory problems and heart failure in recent months, Gordon said.

Cope's tenure from 1970-2004 as the color analyst on the Steelers' radio network is the longest in NFL history for a broadcaster with a single team and led to his induction into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2005.

"His memorable voice and unique broadcasting style became synonymous with Steelers football," Steelers president Art Rooney II said Wednesday. "They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery and no Pittsburgh broadcaster was impersonated more than Myron."

Link:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/02/27/cope.ap/index.html

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RIP, Mr. Cope. :cry:

[BOSSHOG]

1. Its really tough on fans

A couple of years ago Arkansas announcer Paul Ells was killed in a car wreck and it hurt pretty bad. We love our announcers as much as we love our teams. It took me a long time to get over Richie Ashburns death and he died a long time ago.

[Awsi Dooger]

2. I remember his Hall of Fame speech

Just a couple of years ago, or at least it seems that way. He went on and on, to the point the crowd was restless. They finally encouraged him to shut up and exit. A dumbfounded Cope was asked about it and his reply was memorable. "I thought I was a star."

[qanda]

3. RIP Myron Cope

I used to turn down the tv and listen to Myron Cope. He was such a character. He will be missed.

[BOSSHOG]

4. Interesting

I like to listen to the New Orleans Saints radio broadcast when their games are televised but there is a 5 second delay so I find out what happens on the field before it is televised. Fans really get attached to their local broadcasters, so sad to lose one.

[PRETZEL]

5. Myron was a classic,

I will say the Pittsburgh has been blessed with some of the most colorful and entertaining announcers that have ever lived.

Bob Prince
Mike Lange
Myron Cope

They made growing up in Pittsburgh and following our beloved teams special.

[BOSSHOG]

6. Philly was equally blessed

By Saam
Richie Ashburn
Harry Kalas

I loved em all. Still love Harry!!

[PRETZEL]

7. Not that big a Whitey fan although he had obvious baseball knowledge

Kalas I like alot.

Merril Reese is pretty good also.

But no Philly announcer will ever compare to Gene Hart. That man was class.

[BOSSHOG]

8. Broke My Heart

when Whitey died, think it was in 97. I was in the Navy TAD and saw it on the news while staying at a motel. As an Arkansas grad I got to give a plug to Frank Broyles. He did a good job of wading through college football games for ABC.

[davidinalameda]

9. I grew up listening to him

I'll miss him